Exploring Petra by car: top tips for a memorable trip

Jordan

Some destinations leave an unforgettable mark on travellers, and Petra in Jordan is undoubtedly one of them. This incredible city, carved into the rock and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Wonder of the Modern World, has fascinated visitors for centuries with its beauty and mystery.

Exploring Petra and its surroundings by car offers unmatched freedom, allowing you to discover the region at your own pace. In this article, we provide all the tips to make your visit to Petra by car an unforgettable experience.

Why hire a car in Jordan to visit Petra?

Hiring a car in Jordan  gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace, and the journey to Petra—one of the most famous sites in the world—is simply breathtaking.

Visitors often praise the high quality of Jordan’s road infrastructure. The highways are in excellent condition, with modern, well-maintained roads and clear, strategically placed signage ensuring smooth and easy navigation.

Where can I pick up my hire car in Jordan with CarJet?

If you arrive in Amman, Jordan’s capital, you can hire a car with CarJet directly at the airport and begin your journey towards Wadi Musa, the nearest town to Petra, located around three hours away.

You have two route options: the Desert Highway, a fast road that takes you straight to your destination, or the King’s Highway, a more scenic and historic route that adds approximately an hour to the trip but offers breathtaking landscapes that make it well worth the extra time.

Another option is to hire a car at Aqaba Airport, located on the shores of the Red Sea. The drive to Petra takes less than two hours, and travellers who choose this route enjoy spectacular views of dunes and majestic red mountains before reaching Wadi Musa.

What type of car to hire for visiting Petra?

Before hiring a car in Jordan with CarJet, it’s worth considering which type of vehicle best suits your trip, especially if you plan to visit Petra and other iconic destinations across the country.

If you’re travelling solo or as a couple and will mostly be driving on well-paved roads such as the Desert Highway or King’s Highway, a small car is the perfect option—affordable, comfortable, and easy to park.

For those travelling in a group or simply looking for extra space and comfort, a medium-sized car is the ideal choice. This type of vehicle offers a larger boot, making it easy to store all your luggage without hassle, and ensures a more comfortable drive on long journeys.

Finally, if you want to explore Jordan’s less touristy regions, such as the surroundings of the Wadi Rum desert or certain secondary roads inland, the best option is to hire an SUV. A more spacious vehicle, it allows you to drive safely over uneven terrain while enjoying the landscapes with greater comfort and a better vantage point.

Where to park in Petra

Upon arriving in Wadi Musa, you’ll have the option to park conveniently at the Petra Visitor Centre, the main access point to the iconic archaeological site. This car park is spacious and free, with clear signage directing you to the entrance.

It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquillity of the morning. If you’re passionate about photography, this is the best time to capture the beauty of Petra’s monuments without too many visitors around.

What to see in Petra

Considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, Petra is a masterpiece carved into rose-hued sandstone cliffs—a lasting legacy of the ancient Nabataean civilisation. Every corner of this lost city invites fascinating exploration, where history comes to life through its majestic structures.

The journey begins at the main entrance, where visitors pass through the imposing Siq, a narrow canyon flanked by towering rock walls that seem to whisper stories of centuries past. At the end of this winding path, the spectacular sight of Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) comes into view—the most iconic monument in Jordan. This monument keeps attracting travellers from across the globe.

But Petra is much more than just its famous façade. As you delve deeper into the site, you’ll discover an array of monumental tombs, temples, colonnaded streets, and an ancient rock-carved theatre. Each structure tells the rich story of this remarkable civilisation.

One of the most awe-inspiring experiences is the climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). After conquering more than 800 steps, you’ll reach this colossal structure, perched high on a mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Other trails lead to vantage points such as the High Place of Sacrifice and the Al - Khubtha mountain, where visitors can admire Petra’s grandeur from above.

What to see around Petra?

With your hire car, you can make the most of your trip by exploring the fascinating sites surrounding Petra.

Siq al-Barid

Just 10 kilometres (6 miles) away from Wadi Musa, Siq al-Barid is a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors. This small Nabataean site features beautifully carved façades and narrow alleyways, creating an intimate and less crowded atmosphere that allows for deeper immersion into the region’s rich history and culture.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

If you love nature, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is just an hour’s drive away. This stunning nature park boasts breathtaking landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and incredible biodiversity. It’s a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts!

Wadi Rum Desert

Lastly, about an hour and a half from Petra, Wadi Rum stands as one of the world’s most spectacular deserts. Its red sand and rock formations create an otherworldly setting. With your car, you can drive to Rum village and book a guided excursion or simply admire the desert’s beauty at your own pace.

Hire a car with CarJet for an unforgettable experience in Jordan

CarJet is the ultimate comparison tool for finding the best car hire deals in Jordan. In seconds, you can compare prices from the country’s top providers and choose an option that fits your budget. Whether you land in Amman or prefer to collect your car in Aqaba, CarJet offers a vast network of pick-up locations, allowing you to start your adventure wherever you choose.

Booking with CarJet is quick, easy, and secure. In under three minutes, your car will be ready. Don’t wait—hire a car in Jordan today and discover Petra at your own pace!